From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Toyin Amuzu, has called on the electorate in the country to reject what he described as “electoral recklessness” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party in the 2027 general elections.
Amuzu, who made the call on Monday in a statement he personally signed, declared that the local government election held in the state at the weekend was a “complete charade and arbitrary use of power” by the ruling party, alleging that the poll was marred with violence, intimidation, and manipulation, especially in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state.
The PDP chieftain who was the House of Representatives candidate of the party in the 2023 elections, noted that “it has become crystal clear that the APC can never win any free and fair election in the country”, stressing that Nigerians must reject the APC’s recklessness and dictatorial tendencies in the 2027 elections.
He added that the APC’s actions during the local government election were a clear indication of their disregard for democratic principles and the well-being of the Nigerian people.
“It is quite disheartening that despite APC’s usual massive rigging and manipulations, they still went ahead to cause violence and chaos terrorising innocent citizens and the opposition”, he pointed out.
Amuzu emphasized that the PDP, with its experience and people-oriented policies, is better equipped to serve the interests of Nigerians, as different from the hardship and anti-people policies of the ruling party.
He noted that his party had earlier raised concerns about the APC’s use of military personnel to disrupt the electoral process during the LG poll, an act which saw the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly taken away in a Gestapo manner.
“Despite their attempts to manipulate the process, the APC still lost woefully, indicating that the people have rejected them, thus the reason to resort to violence and intimidation.
“At the 2027 election, Nigerians must remain vigilant and reject the APC’s attempts to perpetuate their recklessness.
“The PDP is committed to providing a better alternative, with policies and programmes that prioritize the needs of the people; it is quite clear that the APC cannot win any election in a free and fair contest”, he submitted in the statement.